The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be deploying around 37,000 policemen to secure the opening of classes on June 16 when millions of students are expected to troop back to their respective schools.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said uniformed policemen are expected to step up the beat patrols and visibility in areas and roads leading to and from schools and man the police assistance desks that are intended for students, parents and school personnel.

“We are ready (for the opening of classes). We will be deploying 37,000 police officers to ensure the safety of our students on June 16,” said Fajardo.

Fajardo said included in the deployment were 5,000 policemen who will be tasked to man police assistance desks.

The opening of the classes will also serve as a test for the quick police response that PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre committed when he assumed the top police post.

Torre earlier said that he is planning to close all the police boxes and police community precincts in order to maximize the police visibility on the roads and other parts of the community.

The presence of uniformed policemen and police cars with blinkers on the road and communities, according to Torre, also serves as crime deterrence.

Fajardo said this is the reason why more police mobile patrollers will be deployed near the schools and nearby areas.

The Department of Education earlier said June 16 will be the opening of classes for public schools and private schools may adopt it.

Source: Manila Bulletin.